08 Apr 2009 On 25 April Capetonians will be able to enjoy two magnificent choirs in one concert.

The South-African Youth Choir consists of the cream of our young voices, selected from all over the country and staying in a hostel in Durbanville. The choir is conducted by André van der Merwe, arguably the most prolific and innovative conductor in the world today. The choristers are predominantly schooled at Stellenberg High School.

Thanks to a sponsorship from PetroSA, all expenses to date was covered and enabled this excellent choir to win various prizes internationally, among others a 2nd place at International Choral Kathaumixw in Powell River, Canada in 2008. Due to the unfavourable economic climate, there is a real possibility that SAYC’s sponsorship may be markedly diminished, and as many performances as possible will have to be held in order to generate funds.

The South-African Youth Choir wiil perform before interval and works such as Neiseik, Saulala (Return, Sun!) by Vytautas Miskinis (Lithuania), Piedzimsana (The Birth of the Sun) by Peteris Vasks (Latvia/Letland), and We Beheld Once Again the Stars by Randall Stroope (USA), will receive a first South-African airing. The choir will also perform Hendrik Hofmeyr’s Phantom Waltz.


After interval the acclaimed Akustika Chamber Singers from Gauteng will take the stage. This excellent choir is conducted by Christo Burger and boasts coveted awards such as the Pavarotti Trophy as Choir of the World at one of the world’s foremost choral competitions, the International Music Eisteddfod in Llangollen, Wales.. In September
2007 Akustika was chosen as one of five chamber choirs to perform Welsh composer Karl Jenkins’ monumental work Mass for Peace: The Armed Man. Other works performed by Akustika will include Blazheni, Yazhe Izbral (Tshaikovsky), Os Justi (Bruckner), Ave Maria (Hoffmann), Sleep (Eric Whitacre), Thula Babana (Hendrik Hofmeyr) and Wade in de Water
(Koepke)

This exciting choral concert will take place in the Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium in Parow on 25 April at 8pm. Tickets cost R90 and can be booked through Annake van Millegen at 072-443-4231, (021) 976-2303 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.